Five-Point Self Health Inspection

This total lifestyle once-over is a great way to begin each and every month. Examining these five areas is quick and easy, and can lead to a happier, healthier you.

1. Perform a breast self-exam.
   It's quick, painless and could save your life. The easiest place to do this is in the shower. Feel all the way around each breast, and on top of each nipple, with your index and middle fingers held together. Put your arms behind your head one at a time and repeat the process. You’re looking for any unfamiliar bumps, lumps or hard spots. If you feel any, be sure to tell your doctor right away.
2. Step on the scale.
   Weighing yourself at least once a month can give you a good idea which direction your health is headed. Try to weigh yourself under the same circumstances each time, preferably without any clothes on, right after you wake up. While weighing in, think about your eating habits over the past month. Did you get a good mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy? If so, keep doing what you’re doing. If not, make a few adjustments – add some fruit and veggies, reduce your intake of sweet and fats – and perhaps you'll see a lower number on the scale next month.
3. Check your breath.
   Maintaining good dental health is key to staying healthy in general. Bad breath is not only a sign of oral health issues, but can also be a symptom of respiratory infections, diabetes, acid reflux, and liver or kidney problems. But don't panic; before heading to your doctor, be sure that you’re brushing and flossing regularly and drinking plenty of water. If the problem persists, be sure to tell your doctor about it at your next checkup.
4. Find your resting heart rate.
   A healthy resting heart rate (the number of times your heart beats when your body is in a rested state) is a great indicator of overall health. The best time to calculate your resting heart rate is right after waking up from a good night’s sleep. To find it, use your index and middle fingers to find your pulse on your wrist or under your jaw line. Then count the number of beats you feel for 60 seconds. A normal resting heart rate for women is between 70 and 80 beats per minute. But the lower the number, the better – it means your heart doesn't have to work as hard to pump blood through your body.
5. Open up your medicine cabinet.
   After cleaning out any expired products, take an inventory of what’s inside. Is it filled with the antacids you take for nighttime stomachaches? Or pain relievers for your chronic headaches? Or ointments for your sore joints or muscles? Make a mental note of what you find inside and share it with your doctor on your next visit. A problem you believe to be treatable with over-the-counter medication could be something more serious.